Hornibrook makes big throw for 11-0 Badgers
MADISON, Wis. — Alex Hornibrook changed the conversation with one clutch throw, and No. 5 Wisconsin is still undefeated in large part after its evenkeeled quarterback shook off another groan-inducing interception.
Hornibrook’s 24-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Taylor in the third quarter broke open a defensive slugfest, Kendric Pryor scored on an end-around and the Badgers beat No. 24 Michigan 2410 on Saturday.
Wisconsin (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) padded its postseason resume by winning a grinding, physical matchup against the Wolverines (8-3, 5-3).
Hornibrook completed nine of 19 passes for 143 yards, but he bounced back from the pick by Devin Bush early in the third quarter with some of his best throws of the season.
“Sometimes adversity helps us play even harder and better. We were able to do that today,” Hornibrook said.
It has been a season-long story line. Hornibrook has now thrown 12 interceptions in Big Ten play. While Hornibrook has been resilient, defense and Big Ten-rushing leader Jonathan Taylor (132 yards in 19 carries Saturday) have been the biggest reasons why the Badgers remain unbeaten.
In the biggest game yet of the season, Hornibrook became a difference-maker.
“I guess it’s a pretty big deal,” Hornibrook said when asked about the attention he gets for his picks. “But we kind of fight back through it.”
He connected with Taylor through a tight window in the end zone for a 14-10 lead with 3:31 left in the third quarter.
After a three-and-out for Michigan, Wisconsin’s Danny Davis made a onehanded catch with a defender draped on him for a 27yard gain. Pryor followed with his 32-yard scoring run with 24 seconds left in the third for a two-score lead.
“Two big throws and then they got a few runs out too,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “That ended up being the difference in the game.”